Robots Get Energy Labels Like Fridges by 2026

Imagine shopping for a robot the same way you pick an energy-efficient refrigerator. By 2026, that will be reality for factories worldwide.

ABB Robotics announced this week it's developing the first global standard to measure and compare energy consumption in industrial robots. Right now, with over 4 million robots working in factories worldwide, there's no consistent way to tell which ones use less power.

"Unlike fridges, TVs, washing machines and motors, which have clearly defined standards for how to measure and compare energy efficiency, there is no standard for measuring the energy consumption of a robot," explained Gianluca Brotto, head of sustainability at ABB Robotics. The lack of standards makes it nearly impossible for companies to choose the greenest option.

ABB's internal research revealed a surprising fact: more than 70% of a robot's carbon footprint comes from the electricity it uses during its working life, not from manufacturing it. That means choosing an efficient robot could dramatically reduce a factory's environmental impact for years.

The company partnered with the Swedish Institute for Standards and brought together robot manufacturers and researchers from 11 countries to tackle the problem. Their proposal is now moving through the International Organization for Standardization, with the technical specification set to be completed by August 2026.

The Ripple Effect

This standardization effort could transform how industries think about automation and sustainability. As companies race to meet Paris Agreement emissions targets, having clear energy labels will help them make smarter choices from day one.

The timing matters too. Automation is expanding beyond traditional manufacturing into sectors like construction, logistics, and electronics. Each new robot installed is a chance to reduce energy waste, but only if buyers can identify the most efficient options.

ABB Robotics, which employs about 7,000 people and operates a U.S. factory in Michigan, launched an Energy Efficiency Service in 2024 to help customers optimize their existing robots. The new standardization initiative takes that commitment even further by creating transparency across the entire industry.

Once the standard takes effect, shopping for industrial robots will look a lot different. Instead of guessing about energy costs, factory managers will see clear ratings, compare options side by side, and choose automation that's both productive and planet-friendly.

By 2026, picking a robot will be as straightforward as choosing any other appliance, and our factories will be greener for it.